Ultrasound Specialist

River Place OB/GYN

OB-GYNs located in Austin, TX

Dr. John Thoppil and Dr. Rachel Shepherd are committed to providing patients at River Place OB GYN, in West Austin, Texas with state-of-the-art ultrasound services, including 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging. That's why they're considered the best OB GYNs in Austin.

Ultrasound Q & A

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses sound wave technology to produce images of the inside of the body. This pain-free procedure is a completely safe way to view a growing fetus and is performed at regular intervals throughout pregnancy. Ultrasounds are also used to view pelvic organs, whether a patient is pregnant or not. The ultrasound transmits sound waves through the body with transducer wand. The transducer not only sends out the waves but also collects the information as the sound bounces back. The information is transferred to a computer then creates an image. Ultrasound images are seen in real-time, which means they can show the structure and movement of internal organs, a developing baby, and blood flowing through vessels.

How is an ultrasound performed?

The ultrasound procedure begins with the technician placing gel on the abdomen, which acts as a conductor to help the sound waves pass through the body. The doctor or technician moves the transducer wand across the abdomen to produce the sound waves, transmitting them into the uterus. The sound waves bounce off bones and tissues, which is recorded by the transducer and generates black and white images or video of the fetus.

What reasons other than fetal monitoring are ultrasounds used?

Ultrasounds also provide the best modality for evaluating pelvic organs such as the uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound may be ordered to diagnose the cause of pelvic pain, irregular periods or difficulties in conceiving.

These scans can reveal various issues, including endometriosis or fibroids, or and ovarian cyst.

What types of ultrasound are there?

There are several types of ultrasound exams; however, the principle and technique are essentially the same. Dr. Thoppil most often uses 3D or 4D ultrasounds to provide images of a developing baby. These include:

3-D Ultrasound – This ultrasound is collected by moving a transducer wand across the abdomen. The 3D images are created with specialized software and technology.

4-D or Dynamic 3-D Ultrasound – This procedure is also collected using a transducer wand. In addition to collected detailed 3D images of the developing baby, the technology is able to collect the images in real time to create a video of the baby in utero.

Standard Ultrasound – This is the most basic ultrasound test, which uses a transducer guided over the stomach to produce 2-D images of the fetus.

Transvaginal Scans – Probe transducers are inserted into the vagina to produce sonogram images. This form of ultrasound is most often used during the preliminary stages of pregnancy.

We offer keepsake 3-D scans for patients. Inquire at our office for details.

Insurance Providers

Here are just some of the insurances we accept. If you have a narrow network plan (POS, exchange, specific hospital, EPO, HMO) please confirm our network status. They do not always follow the full network benefits. To find out if your insurance is accepted, please check the insurance website or give our office a call.